The History of Our Hot Air Balloon Company
In 1995, owners Carol Ann and Nielsen Rogers combined the wonderful traditions and acclaimed reputations of three historic operations – Adventures Aloft (the Napa Valley’s original balloon company), Above the West Ballooning and Balloon Aviation – into a single company, Napa Valley Aloft, Inc., known for personalized attention, experienced professional pilots and a demonstrated commitment to passenger satisfaction. They are assisted by a highly experienced team of pilots, crew and office staff who share their commitment to quality and service. These individuals know hot air ballooning and the Napa Valley very well, and play an important role in making your hot air ballooning experience enjoyable.
Here is a brief introduction to our world-class pilot team:
Nielsen and Carol Ann Rogers established their commercial hot air balloon operation in the early 1980s. From the beginning, their goal has been to offer a uniquely personalized experience to their passengers. Their belief that the best way to enjoy hot air ballooning is in small groups and their commitment to passenger satisfaction are evident from first contact to final farewell.
Originally from South Florida, Nielsen and Carol Ann moved to California in 1971. In 1978 they purchased 13 acres in the hills above the Napa Valley. The same year they purchased their first hot air balloon, little realizing where that fateful transaction would lead them.
Carol Ann is an alumna of Wellesley College and worked in fundraising and nonprofit management before joining Nielsen in the hot air balloon company. The Rogers have three children who all list working in the family business on their resumes.
Nielsen Rogers is the owner of Napa Valley Aloft together with his wife Carol Ann. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with an MBA from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, Nielsen worked in the door hardware industry before obtaining his commercial hot air balloon pilot license in 1981. Nielsen belongs to a home winemakers group in the Napa Valley and is very knowledgeable about the wine industry.
Donna Dunrud took her first flight in the Napa Valley in 1976 and had her commercial license by early 1978. Her more than 4,000 logged hours of flight include being the first woman to successfully cross the Grand Canyon in a hot air balloon, flying over each of the 48 contiguous states and placing first in the 1979 Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Donna is also a minister who has performed numerous in-flight wedding and vow renewal ceremonies.
Mark Proteau was born in the Napa Valley and has had his commercial hot air balloon pilot license since 1981. In 1982 he was asked by the University of California to participate in its archaeological efforts in Egypt and flew hot air balloons over the dig sites at the Valley of the Kings. He has also flown in Kenya, Africa and France. In addition to flying, Mark is a home winemaker and a marathon runner. He competed in the 1980 Olympic trials and has served as an assistant Cross Country and Track coach at the local high school. Mark and his wife Karen have two boys who often assist with the chase.
Steve Frattini is also a native of the Napa Valley and became involved in our local hot air balloon industry in its earliest days, some 25 years ago. He trained many of the pilots flying in the Napa Valley today and went on to become the FAA Designated Flight Examiner for the area. For many years, he served as Executive Director of the Professional Balloon Pilots Association of Napa County. Steve lives in Yountville and, when not flying hot air balloons, he works as a therapeutic and rehabilitative masseuse.
Laura Kirkpatrick Guinn started working with balloons while still a student Sonoma State University. She worked as professional chase crew for several companies in the Napa Valley and Palm Springs before choosing to join the Napa Valley Aloft family. Laura obtained her commercial balloon license in 1996; with her excellent pilot skills and extensive knowledge of the Napa Valley wine industry (she has been a tour guide at several wineries and worked the 2000 crush at Laird Family Winery), Laura has become a popular addition to our professional pilot team.